smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com Blogsmiledesignstudioofbethesda.com Bloghttp://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog.html
en-usTue, 26 Mar 2019 07:05:37 -0700Mon, 23 Jul 2018 13:18:00 -0700http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOfficite Development ScriptingCould Invisalign Help Me?http://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog/post/could-invisalign-help-me.htmlDo you want to improve your smile? Do you feel like you're too old to be wearing braces? Well, the dentists at Smile Design Studio understand how you feel, which is why they offer Invisalign at their Bethesda, MD, office.

Invisalign is composed of custom-made clear aligners that are made to fit your upper and lower teeth. The aligners function the same way traditional braces work, by applying pressure on each tooth so that it moves into its proper position. Your Bethesda dentists create your custom aligners using a specialized computer software.

There are several benefits to Invisalign. Here are a few,

Oral Hygiene: Because Invisalign is a removable appliance, you will be able to clean your teeth more thoroughly than if you have traditional metal braces. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once.

Discreet: Traditional metal braces can be distracting, especially if you're a teenager or an adult. Invisalign is transparent, so no one will notice if you have braces.

Dietary Limitations: Traditional braces prevent you from eating your favorite foods, like taffy apples or corn, but that's not an issue with Invisalign. You can eat whatever you want because the aligners you wear are removable.

Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are flexible and great for if you need to straighten your teeth and don't want anyone to know you're wearing braces, unlike traditional metal braces. You do, however, need to keep them on for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day.

You can take them off if you want to eat, brush your teeth or floss. Some people like to take their clear aligners off for special events.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with your Bethesda, MD, dentists, then call their office at (301) 907-8201 today!

The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects to your lower jaw and to the skull in front of the ear. There are some facial muscles that control chewing also attached to your lower jaw.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome is a disorder accompanied by consistent pain in the area near your ear, jaw or muscles on the side of your face. You may suffer from a clicking or popping sound, and/or restricted jaw movement.

Causes of TMJ

The TMJ is subject to various issues, such as:

Inflammation

Sore muscles

Strained tendons

Ligaments

Disk problems

Physical and psychological stress

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

Clicking Sounds — If you're suffering from TMJ, you may hear a clicking, popping sound coming from the TMJ when you open or close your mouth. This is usually caused by a shifting of the disk inside the joint. The clicking may be so loud, someone standing next to you may hear it.

Muscle Pain — You may feel pain in your cheeks, where the pairs of jaw-closing muscles are located. If you feel soreness and stiffness upon waking up in the morning, it may be related to clenching and/or grinding the teeth at night. A nightguard may help relieve that pressure, but be sure to speak with your Bethesda doctor.

Joint Pain — Pain usually comes from one or both jaw joints and would be considered arthritis.

Relieving the Pain

Once your doctors have examined you, they can start designing a treatment plan. Here are some ways they may improve your diet or lifestyle:

]]>Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:29:39 -0700One Dentist for Your Whole Familyhttp://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog/post/one-dentist-for-your-whole-family.htmlLife seems pretty scattered these days, doesn't it? We run from place to place for gas, groceries, home improvement needs--even health care. The good news is you can stop part of that crazy race with consistent, quality dental care with your Bethesda family dentists, Dr. Michael Wright, Dr. Treva Willis and Dr. Maria Wright. Their well-respected Smile Design Studio offers premiere preventive, restorative and cosmetic services for your entire family. Yes, come to just one beautiful, comfortable office for the best in comprehensive dentistry.

First--prevention

Your Bethesda family dentist asks each patient--from the age of one on up--to come to Smile Design Studio semi-annually. What's the idea? Prevent oral health problems before they start or become complicated and painful. So each patient at Smile Design Studio receives a comprehensive oral examination, X-rays as needed and a thorough hygienic cleaning. And, when your Bethesda dentist sees your whole family, he or she observes similarities in bite, a tendency toward decay and more. This makes treatment easier.

Whether you're a teen or a senior, you want your smile to look its very best. So your Bethesda family dentist provides many aesthetic treatments which allow you to look uniquely you, only better. Services include:

Professional teeth whitening to remove accumulated stains (this is modern dentistry's most often asked for cosmetic service, says the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry)

Invisalign clear aligners for practically invisible orthodontic correction in less time than conventional braces

Direct bonding to repair small enamel flaws seamlessly in one visit

Porcelain veneers to cover the front of teeth flawed by big chips, cracks and other surface imperfections

Cosmetic contouring to reshape uneven tooth length, fractures and more

Enjoy a healthy life

It starts with consistent, kind and precise oral health care from the team at Smile Design Studio. Call our office today to arrange appointments for your whole family: (301) 907-8201.

]]>Fri, 09 Mar 2018 06:22:09 -0800Reasons to Consider Dental Implantshttp://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog/post/reasons-to-consider-dental-implants.htmlAre you wondering if you should get dental implants in Bethesda, MD?

Tooth loss is certainly not an issue you should ignore if it happens to you. We know that you thought your smile would last forever but you can still have a beautiful smile after tooth loss and our Bethesda, MD, dentists Dr. Michael Wright, Dr. Treva Willis and Dr. Maria Wright can make sure that you get a healthy smile back with a little help from dental implants.

Why choose dental implants?

We get this question a lot, but there is a reason so many people are turning to dental implants to replace their missing teeth. Implants are the closest you can get to a real tooth. While maintaining your natural teeth is the ideal, when this is no longer possible then dental implants can be the second best option. After all, no other restoration functions as closely to real teeth than this long-term tooth replacement.

When you first look at an implant it seems hard to believe that this small metal restoration can really take the place of your missing tooth or teeth, but it can. In fact, no other tooth replacement will be able to provide such a solid, resilient foundation from which to support false teeth.

How are dental implants placed?

First, the implant must be placed into the jawbone. For this to be possible, our Bethesda, MD, cosmetic dentist will need to make a small hole in the jawbone where the implant will be placed. This procedure might sound rather involved, but it’s simple, can be performed right here in our office as an outpatient procedure, and it will all be done under local anesthesia so you won’t feel a thing.

Once the implant is placed it will take the mouth several months to fully heal from the procedure. While the healing process happens, the jawbone will grow around the implant, making it a permanent structure. With implants, you will never have to worry about them moving or shifting around in your mouth, unlike dentures.

When the implant and the jawbone are fully integrated it’s now time to place an abutment over the implant. An abutment is like a tooth that’s been prepped for a crown. Its sole purpose is to connect the implant, which is under the gums, with an artificial tooth (the part of the implant that’s visible). In some situations, the implant will already have an abutment attached, in which case all we will have to do is secure the dental crown over top.

However, if you are dealing with multiple missing teeth or even a full row of missing teeth dental implants can still support and hold your dental bridge or a full set of dentures firmly in place.

If you are ready to take the next steps to getting your smile back then it’s time you called the Smile Design Studio in Bethesda, MD, to schedule your consultation. Turn to the experts who will know how to get you the smile you want.

]]>Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:10:25 -0800Smile Confidently With Invisalignhttp://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog/post/smile-confidently-with-invisalign.htmlDo you feel as though your smile hinders your first impressions, making you feel as though your appearance is sub-par due to your misaligned teeth? If so, orthodontic treatment could be for you. Invisalign, while a different approach to orthodontics, is an effective way of straightening your teeth and correcting problems with your bite. Find out more about Invisalign and what it can do for you with Dr. Michael Wright, Dr. Treva Willis, and Dr. Maria Wright at Smile Design Studio of Bethesda in Bethesda, MD.

Is Invisalign right for me?
Invisalign works best in patients ages 12 and older who have misaligned teeth or issues with their bite, or the way their top and bottom jaws fit together. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign does not require that patients wear visible brackets and wires on their teeth during treatment. Instead, Invisalign’s removable, clear aligner trays move the teeth to their new positions. Since the trays are removable, the treatment requires a strong commitment to wearing the trays for the allotted amount of time a day.

How does Invisalign compare to traditional metal braces?
The biggest difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is that Invisalign is not permanently affixed to the teeth. This means that eating and brushing are the same as before your orthodontic treatment and does not require any special steps like threading floss or water picks to go through or around the brackets. Additionally, patients with traditional braces need to avoid certain foods like popcorn or chewy foods to ensure their brackets and wires remain safe and free from damage. Invisalign patients can simply remove their trays to eat the foods they love.

Invisalign Treatment in Bethesda, MD
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation where your dentist will take a model of your mouth. The model will serve as a basis for the design of your aligner trays. Before creating your trays, Invisalign’s laboratories will send a video showing you the exact route on which your teeth will move during treatment, even allowing you to see your final results. After approval, your completed trays will return to your dentist’s office. Patients wear the trays one after another until the end of the series, then wear a retainer for an allotted amount of time after their treatment to ensure their teeth stay in their correct positions.

]]>Fri, 10 Nov 2017 06:19:12 -08007 Common Dental Treatments You Should Know Abouthttp://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog/post/7-common-dental-treatments-you-should-know-about.htmlLearn about some common dental treatments offered by your Bethesda dentists.

Want a great smile? Your dentist can help you love your smile again. Dentists have an array of techniques at their disposal for transforming your smile. Dr. Michael Wright, Dr. Treva Willis, and Dr. Maria Wright at Smile Design Studio in Bethesda, MD, offer a full range of dental services. Here are seven common dental treatments you should know about.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a quick fix for unsightly teeth. Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed over the front part of the teeth to enhance your appearance. Veneers are routinely used to restore teeth that are discolored, chipped, or crooked. It's also possible to fix gaps cosmetically through the use of cosmetic veneers.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for your treatment plan. The aligners straighten teeth through the placement of force on the teeth. Invisalign is used to fix crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, an underbite, overbite, protruding teeth, and gapped teeth.

Dental Implants

Do you feel self-conscious about your missing teeth? Dental implants are a fixed alternative to removable dentures. You can use dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth. There are many advantages to dental implants, including improved oral health, easier eating, improved comfort, and improved speech.

Dental Bonding

Bonding uses tooth-colored material, called composite resin. Composite resin is put on the tooth and hardened with a special light. Bonding is used to repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, and decayed teeth. Bonding is also used to fix gaps between teeth and improve the appearance of discolored teeth.

All-On-4 Implants

Are are missing most of your teeth? You don't need an implant for each one of your missing teeth. The All-On-4 procedure utilizes only four implants to replace all teeth on an upper or lower arch. With All-on-4 implants, you will feel more confident when speaking with people. You will feel better. You will look better. You will have a renewed quality of life.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can fill in your smile's gaps and improve your appearance. Dental bridges are usually created from porcelain and precious metal and will be fixed in your mouth. The bridge consists of the fabricated tooth/teeth and two dental crowns on each side. Dental bridges match natural teeth exceptionally well. With a bridge, you will look and feel more attractive.

Teeth Whitening

Want a bright, white smile? Your main options are at-home teeth whitening and in-office bleaching. At-home teeth whitening involves custom-fitted dental trays filled with hydrogen peroxide gel that you can use at home. For in-office bleaching, your dentist will combine high-intensity bleaching gel with a light to speed up the whitening process.

Want a better life? Start with your smile. Call Smile Design Studio at 301-907-8201 now to schedule a dental appointment in Bethesda, MD. We believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile.

Taking care of your teeth is a life-long endeavor. And like any other aspect of healthcare, it can be costly — from regular dental visits and cleanings to more expensive treatments and procedures for protecting and preserving your teeth.

But what if you’re limited in your financial ability — does that mean your dental health has to suffer? Not necessarily — if you’re careful to adopt and follow an effective strategy for oral care.

Here, then, are 3 considerations you should keep in mind as you develop your dental care strategy and action plan.

Practice thorough, daily oral hygiene. Many of the potential dental problems people face are the result of not practicing or not properly performing oral hygiene — daily brushing and flossing along with semi-annual dental visits for cleanings and checkups. The aim is to remove bacterial plaque, the sticky film that adheres to teeth after we eat, and keep it from building up on tooth surfaces. Removing plaque reduces your chances of developing the two major dental diseases caused by it, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, which could result in additional treatment costs. However, even with excellent oral hygiene you’ll still form tartar (hardened plaque deposits) on your teeth, so professional cleanings are also a must.

Take care of the rest of your health. Your teeth and gums aren’t islands unto themselves — your oral health is heavily influenced by other conditions in the body, especially systemic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. So, be sure you’re eating a nutritious diet, follow an exercise plan and see your physician regularly to monitor your health. Your teeth, as well as the rest of your body, will be healthier for it.

Work out treatment plans with us to fit your finances. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee your teeth and gums won’t need advanced care sometime in your life, even with proper hygiene and diet. If you’re in need of extensive treatment or you feel you need to enhance your smile, talk with us. We’ll be glad to discuss your options, and work out both a treatment and financial plan that fits your needs and budget.

Have you started orthodontic treatment recently? Are you having a little trouble getting used to your braces? If so, you are not alone: Everybody goes through an adjustment period during which they momentarily wonder if they’ll really ever get used to this. Don’t worry — you will! And we’ve never heard anyone say, on the day their braces come off and their new smile is revealed, that they aren’t glad they went the distance. Just ask Houston Rockets all-star center Dwight Howard, who discussed his own orthodontic treatment in a recent interview.

“I’m sure I was no different than anyone else who has ever had braces,” he told Mediaplanet. “At first I hated them so much… That changed once I got used to them and I actually grew to love them.” What’s Howard’s advice? “Do exactly what your orthodontist says and know that the outcome is well worth it in the end.” We couldn’t agree more! Here are some tips for wearing braces comfortably:

Hard & Chewy Foods: If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, that’s great; there’s no reason to give them up, just the really hard ones. You don’t want to bite into an apple or carrot or any other hard foods like bagels and pizza that have any “size” to them. Small pieces may be ok as long as they can’t bend your wires. Chewy, sticky candy should really be avoided completely. Same with soda, sports drinks and so-called energy drinks because they contain acids that promote tooth decay and can cause a lot of damage around the braces.

Effective Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever, but also more challenging than ever. It’s easy for food to get stuck under wires and around brackets, but failing to remove it can cause tooth decay, gum irritation and soreness. Therefore, the cleaner your teeth and your braces are, the healthier you will be. Use interdental cleaning brushes and/or a floss-threader to get behind your wires. A mouthrinse can also help strengthen teeth and keep bacteria in check. If you have any questions about how to clean between your teeth, please ask for a demonstration at your next visit.

Pain Relief: Some soreness at the beginning of orthodontic treatment is normal. To relieve it, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or a warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw. If brackets or wires are rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips, try applying wax to these areas of your braces. If this does not offer enough relief, we may be able to trim the end of a poking wire. Call us if you need help with this.

When we refer to periodontal (gum) disease, we’re actually talking about a family of progressive, infectious diseases that attack the gums and other tissues attached to the teeth. Caused primarily by bacterial plaque left on tooth surfaces from inefficient oral hygiene, gum disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

There’s only one way to stop the infection and restore health to diseased tissues — remove all of the offending plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) possible from tooth and gum surfaces, including below the gum line at the roots. The basic tools for this task are specialized hand instruments called scalers or ultrasonic equipment that vibrates plaque loose. A series of cleaning sessions using these tools could stop the infection and promote healing if followed with a consistent, efficient daily hygiene habit.

There are times, however, when the infection has progressed so deeply below the gum line or into the tissues that it requires other procedures to remove the plaque and infected tissue. One such situation is the formation of an abscess within the gum tissues, a pus-filled sac that has developed in response to infection. After administering local anesthesia, the abscess must be treated to remove the cause and allow the infectious fluid to drain. The area is then thoroughly flushed with saline or an antibacterial solution.

The gum tissues are not completely attached to the tooth surface for a small distance creating a space. These spaces are called periodontal pockets when they are inflamed and continue to deepen as the disease progresses. These inflamed and sometimes pus-filled pockets form when tissues damaged by the infection detach from the teeth. If the pockets are located near the gum line, it may be possible to clean out the infectious material using scaling techniques. If, however, they’re located four or more millimeters below the gum line a technique known as root planing may be needed, where plaque and calculus are shaved or “planed” from the root surface. As the disease progresses and the pockets deepen, it may also be necessary for surgical intervention to gain access to the tooth roots.

To stop gum disease and promote soft tissue healing, we should use any or all treatment tools at our disposal to reach even the most difficult places for removing plaque and calculus. The end result — a saved tooth — is well worth the effort.

Fans of the primetime TV show The Middle were delighted to see that high school senior Sue, played by Eden Sher, finally got her braces off at the start of Season 6. But since this popular sitcom wouldn’t be complete without some slapstick comedy, this happy event is not without its trials and tribulations: The episode ends with Sue’s whole family diving into a dumpster in search of the teen’s lost retainer. Sue finds it in the garbage and immediately pops it in her mouth. But wait — it doesn’t fit, it’s not even hers!

If you think this scenario is far-fetched, guess again. OK, maybe the part about Sue not washing the retainer upon reclaiming it was just a gag (literally and figuratively), but lost retainers are all too common. Unfortunately, they’re also expensive to replace — so they need to be handled with care. What’s the best way to do that? Retainers should be brushed daily with a soft toothbrush and liquid soap (dish soap works well), and then placed immediately back in your mouth or into the case that came with the retainer. When you are eating a meal at a restaurant, do not wrap your retainer in a napkin and leave it on the table — this is a great way to lose it! Instead, take the case with you, and keep the retainer in it while you’re eating. When you get home, brush your teeth and then put the retainer back in your mouth.

If you do lose your retainer though, let us know right away. Retention is the last step of your orthodontic treatment, and it’s extremely important. You’ve worked hard to get a beautiful smile, and no one wants to see that effort wasted. Yet if you neglect to wear your retainer as instructed, your teeth are likely to shift out of position. Why does this happen?

As you’ve seen firsthand, teeth aren’t rigidly fixed in the jaw — they can be moved in response to light and continuous force. That’s what orthodontic appliances do: apply the right amount of force in a carefully controlled manner. But there are other forces at work on your teeth that can move them in less predictable ways. For example, normal biting and chewing can, over time, cause your teeth to shift position. To get teeth to stay where they’ve been moved orthodontically, new bone needs to form around them and anchor them where they are. That will happen over time, but only if they are held in place with a retainer. That’s why it is so important to wear yours as directed — and notify us immediately if it gets lost.

And if ever you do have to dig your retainer out of a dumpster… be sure to wash it before putting in in your mouth!

There are many health concerns when you’re pregnant. And not just for you — what you eat, how you sleep or what medications or supplements you’re taking all have an effect on your baby.

With so many concerns, it’s easy to neglect caring for your teeth. But like other health issues, dental care affects both you and your baby and their future teeth and gum health. For both your sakes taking care of your mouth is a must.

For one thing, you’re more susceptible during pregnancy to periodontal (gum) disease, an infection caused by bacterial plaque built up on teeth surfaces due to ineffective hygiene. It’s believed hormonal changes increase the risk of gingivitis, the inflammation of infected gum tissues, common to expectant mothers.

Gum disease is a serious matter for anyone because of the increased risk of tooth loss. But there’s another potential risk for expectant mothers: the bacteria that causes gum disease can pass through the placenta to the fetus. This can stimulate an inflammatory response from the mother that may result in a pre-term delivery and low birth weight.

There are some things you can do to protect your dental health and your baby’s future health. Maintain a healthy diet with a wide range of whole foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy products. Your doctor may also recommend iron and other supplements to reduce anemia. For the baby’s dental development, be sure you’re taking in sufficient calcium in your diet as well as other vitamins and nutrients. And although it’s common to develop carbohydrate cravings, limit your consumption — especially sugar. Carbohydrates increase the levels of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Above all, practice consistent daily hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once. Be sure to visit us at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. If you notice bleeding, swelling or redness of your gums (signs of gum disease) contact us as soon as possible.

A little extra attention to your teeth and gums while you’re expecting can make a big difference in the health of your own teeth and gums, as well as build a strong foundation for your child’s future oral health.

Sure, it’s big news when celebs tweet selfies from the dental office… if you’re still living in the 20th century. But in Hollywood today, it’s harder to say who hasn’t posted snaps of themselves in the dentist’s chair than who has. Yet the pictures recently uploaded to Twitter by Mark Salling, the actor and singer who regularly appears as Noah “Puck” Puckerman on the popular TV series Glee, made us sit up and take notice.

“Getting my chipped tooth fixed. Also, apparently, I’m a big grinder,” read the caption. The photo showed a set of upper front teeth with visible chips on the biting surface. What’s so special about this seemingly mundane tweet? It’s a great way of bringing attention to a relatively common, but often overlooked problem: teeth clenching and grinding, also called bruxism.

Although bruxism is a habit that affects scores of people, many don’t even realize they have it. That’s because the condition may only become active at night. When the teeth are unconsciously ground together, the forces they produce can wear down the enamel, cause chipping or damage to teeth or dental work (such as veneers or fillings), or even loosen a tooth! While it’s common in children under 11 years old, in adults it can be a cause for concern.

Sometimes, mouth pain, soreness and visible damage alert individuals to their grinding habits; other times, a dental professional will notice the evidence of bruxism during an exam or cleaning: tooth sensitivity and telltale wear and tear on the chewing surfaces. Either way, it’s time to act.

Bruxism is most often caused by stress, which can negatively impact the body in many ways. It may also result from bite problems, the overuse of stimulating substances (caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs), and as a side effect of certain medications. Sometimes, simply becoming aware of the habit can help a person get it under control. Common methods of stress reduction include exercise, meditation, a warm bath or a quiet period before bedtime; these can be tried while we monitor the situation to see if the problem is going away.

If stress reduction alone doesn’t do the trick, several other methods can be effective. When bruxism is caused by a minor bite problem, we can sometimes do a minor “bite adjustment” in the office. This involves removing a tiny bit of enamel from an individual tooth that is out of position, bringing it in line with the others. If it’s a more serious malocclusion, orthodontic appliances or other procedures may be recommended.

When grinding is severe enough to damage teeth or dental work, we may also recommend a custom-made night guard (occlusal guard), which you put in your mouth at bedtime. Comfortable and secure, this appliance prevents your teeth from being damaged by contacting each other, and protects your jaw joints from stresses due to excessive grinding forces.

Whether or not you have to smile for a living, teeth grinding can be a big problem. If you would like more information about this condition, call our office to schedule a consultation for a consultation.

]]>Fri, 22 May 2015 00:01:38 -0700Welcome to Our Bloghttp://www.smiledesignstudioofbethesda.com/blog/post/welcome-to-our-blog.htmlWelcome to the Blog of Smile Design Studio

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the Bethesda, MD area, we’re excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatments, practical oral health advice and updates from our practice.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.